EPA to aid Baton Rouge's greening design

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is partnering with Baton Rouge to help create more green spaces and trails to connect the LSU area to downtown.

Baton Rouge was one of five cities selected for the EPA's Greening America's Capitals program. The others are Indianapolis, Des Moines, Helena, Mont., and Frankfort, Ky.

The Advocate reports that while specific details were not yet available, the EPA will provide design assistance from private sector experts to help Baton Rouge and the other capital cities demonstrate sustainable designs intended to create vibrant neighborhoods and strengthen local economies.

In a letter to the EPA, former Baton Rouge Chief Administrative Officer John Carpenter says the proposed "Downtown Greenway" is a 2.75-mile pedestrian and biking corridor that will feature increased lighting, landscaping, public art and more.